How long can you store a peanut butter sandwich in a ziploc bag?

You can store a peanut butter sandwich in a ziploc bag for up to 24 hours unrefrigerated up to up 3-4 days in the fridge. After this time the bread can become soggy as it absorbs the oil from the peanut butter. To store peanut butter sandwiches for longer, pop them in a ziploc bag and put them in the freezer. They will last up to 3 months.

How long a peanut butter sandwich lasts in a ziploc bag will depend on the temperature, humidity, whether the sandwich is exposed to the sun or if you add other ingredients such as jelly or bananas.

Over time it will become stale or soggy so you should always check the sandwich before eating it. make sure it still smells fresh, has no strange colors which could be old.

5 Factors that affect the shelf life of peanut butter sandwiches in ziploc bags

These are the top factors that can affect how long a peanut butter sandwich will last in a ziploc bag.

1. Temperature

Warm temperatures will mean that peanut butter sandwiches will not last as long in ziploc bags. The bag will trap moisture released from the bread and peanut butter and can cause it to go moldy faster.

To keep peanut butter sandwiches for longer in a ziploc bag, keep them in a cool spot. You can even keep them in the freezer if you want to eat them a month later. Just take them out 1-2 hours before you want it eat it to defrost.

2. Humidity

Higher humidity levels will also cause peanut butter sandwiches in ziploc bags to go off quicker. The high moisture levels in the air will be trapped in the bag and can make the sandwich soggy.

3. Ingredients

Adding extra ingredients to your peanut butter sandwich can make it go soggy in the ziploc bag faster. Adding jelly or bananas can add extra moisture. This will soak into the bread and make the sandwich soggy.

To help to prevent a soggy peanut butter and jelly sandwich, put a thin layer of peanut butter on both sides of the bread. This will form a protective layer and help it to stay fresher in the ziploc bag for longer.

4. Zipping the bag up tight

Make sure you zip up the bag completely. This will keep the sandwich airtight and help it to keep for longer. If you don’t zip up the ziploc bag all the way, air will get in and can make the sandwich stale.

5. Sunlight

Exposing the peanut butter sandwich to the sun will heat it up faster and cause the ziploc bag to catch the condensation. This will make the sandwich soggy and it will go off faster. Make sure that sandwiches are kept in a cool space inside or in the shade.

How long to store a peanut butter sandwich in a ziploc bag

It is best to store peanut butter sandwiches in ziploc bags for 24 hours or less without refrigeration. If you pop it int eh fridge it will last for up to 3-4 days and in the freezer it will last for up to 3 months.

Before eating your sandwich, take a look and make sure it has not changed color or smell. This could indicate mold growth and you should throw it out.

Signs that a Peanut Butter Sandwich Has Gone Bad

Look out for these key signs that your peanut butter sandwich has gone bad. Avoid eating it if you notice any of these.

1. Change in color

Look out for dark black, brown, green or white makes on the bread. This could be a sign of mold and you should throw the sandwich away.

2. Change in taste

If the sandwich tastes sour, bitter or has a faint alcohol taste then throw it out. These could be signs that the peanut butter has gone rancid and should not be eaten.

3. Change in smell

If your peanut butter sandwich smells off then do not eat it. Look out for a faint vinegar, moldy or off smell which could indiciate mold.

Tips for Storing Peanut Butter Sandwiches in Ziploc Bags

Check out my top tips for storing peanut butter sandwiches in ziploc bags.

  1. Store them in a cool, dry place
  2. Avoid adding extra ingredients like banana that could spoil quickly
  3. Avoid storing them in direct sun
  4. Make sure the ziploc bag is closed completely
  5. Eat them within 24 hours
  6. Freeze peanut butter sandwiches in ziplok bags if you want to keep them for longer

If you don’t have a ziploc bag you could also store your peanut butter sandwiches in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap. This will keep them fresher for longer.

Summary

Peanut butter sandwiches will store well in ziploc bags for the day. If you want to keep them longer than this then it is best to freeze them. You can than take them out an hour or two before you want to eat them and they will still taste fresh. Avoid eating any sandwiches that smell or look off. Throw them out just to be safe.